Sacramento, CA,
A City of History and Culture.

Our Stay in Grizzly Flats, CA

Sacramento: History Unveiled

Today, our travels lead us to Sacramento, California’s vibrant capital in Central Valley. We were eager to explore the city’s rich history and cultural offerings and started at the iconic Sutter’s Fort.

Sutter's Fort: A Complex Legacy

This 19th-century Fort, founded by John Sutter, was a crucial stop on the California Gold Rush trail. However, Sutter’s legacy remains deeply complex. While the Fort offers valuable historical insights, it’s vital to acknowledge the darker aspects of his life. His mistreatment of Native Americans, including forced labor and sex trafficking, casts a long shadow over his legacy. Recognizing these injustices alongside the Fort’s historical significance is crucial for a complete understanding.

A Capital Under Construction

Unfortunately, during our visit, the majestic California State Capitol building was undergoing renovations, with fencing surrounding the structure. The newer part of the building, the Capitol Annex, was demolished. However, the impressive historic façade, reminiscent of the Washington D.C. Capitol, showed a glimpse of its grandeur.

Despite the construction, we enjoyed the spacious 40-acre Capitol Park, with landmarks like the California Veterans and Firefighters Memorial. The diverse flora, including orange trees, added a touch of unexpected beauty and a reminder of California’s diverse agricultural heritage.

The Victorian-Style Stanford Mansion

The grand Stanford Mansion stands as a majestic contrast to the modern downtown office buildings around it. This California State Historic Park and National Historic Landmark, built by Stanford University founder Leland Stanford, is more than just a Victorian-era residence. Today, the building serves as the official reception center for the State, welcoming diplomats and leaders from around the world.

Gold Rush Charm in Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento took us back to the 1800s with its meticulously restored buildings and the bustling days of the Gold Rush. Saloons and shops line the streets here, telling the stories of the Wild West. After exploring, we had a delicious lunch at the charming Rio City Cafe. Its picturesque view of the Sacramento River and the iconic Golden Tower Bridge, built in 1935, offered a perfect blend of history and culinary delights.

DOCO, Downtown Commons

DOCO stands for “Downtown Commons,” but it also refers to the “Depot and Commerce” district from Sacramento’s early days with trains and bustling trade. It’s hard to imagine that this stunning area once was a desolate railyard.

Sacramento's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

Our stroll led us to the imposing Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, the majestic mother church of Sacramento’s Roman Catholic Diocese. Built in 1889, its Renaissance Revival silhouette dominated the skyline with its pristine white facade, skyrocketing nave, and grand dome. Although the doors were closed, we could still admire its grandeur from the outside.

Walking K Street, from Gold Rush to Present

We followed the historic K-street back to the parking garage. K-street, or “Kay Street,” was Sacramento’s first street where gold seekers walked from Sutter’s Fort to the Sacramento River. The street has had ups and downs. Just last year in April, the “worst mass shooting in Sacramento’s history” happened. However, on this sunny day, we, like many other visitors, just enjoyed walking around and soaking in the street’s character.